Dota 2: The International Prize Pool Hits $9 Million

While the spotlight may be on Microsoft, Sony and Nintendo at E3 this week, Valve is still making a splash as the Dota 2 International prize pool has now exceeded $9.1 million USD — the largest purse in eSports history.

Valve is publicly tallying the enormous prize pool for The International 2014 — the biggest Dota 2 tournament of the year — which is funded by fan donations and support stemming from the release of The Compendium. Just last week, the purse sat at roughly $8.3 million, meaning another seven days has equated to almost another million dollars to the prize pool.

For those keeping track, the International 2014 purse exceeded $5 million in mid-May, quickly surpassing $6 million and then $7 million all within a two-week timeframe. So basically, the prize pool for the Dota 2 tournament has almost doubled in less than a month.

Valve has stretch goals for the prize pool (including a hidden stretch award becoming unlocked since the $6 million marker) with a victory prediction taunt being the highest listed achievement at $10 million. While most stretch goals are promised in the future for Compendium owners, others have already been released for Dota 2, like the Immortal treasures.

The Compendium is an interactive book that came out last month and allows Dota 2 fans to participate in The International as well as contribute to the prize pool. The 2014 edition costs $10 USD, with $2.50 going into the purse.

The finals for The International 2014 start July 18. And in the meantime, be sure to check out IGN Arena.